Relief for McClure as goal drought ends

MATT McClure was relieved to end his goal drought as he netted the winner against Hartlepool United on Saturday.

The striker had gone three months and 14 matches without finding the back of the net before he headed home Blues' second goal against Pools to extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Victory also marked a return to the scoresheet for Dean Morgan, with both he and McClure now on seven goals for the season.

But McClure said his head hadn't dropped despite his barren run in front of goal.

He said: "Both of us, me and Deano, have been waiting a long time for those goals so it was nice to score.

"I think my all round performance has been good but I'm in the team to score goals, so it's disappointing when I don't do it. As long as I'm contributing with my hold up play and working hard, that's the main thing."

The Northern Ireland U21 international had been dropped to the bench after starting last week's game at Southend, but was given an early second chance as injury forced Paris Cowan-Hall off before ten minutes had been played.

But he said he didn't have a point to prove as he was given the nod over the three other strikers that were on the bench.

He said: "We all understand it's a squad game. There's a lot of games coming up.

"The gaffer stressed before the game to go on there and do your best for the team. Thankfully I took my chance when it came."

Games come thick and fast for Wanderers this month but that doesn't faze McClure.

The 22-year-old said: "I prefer it - I scored today so the quicker the next game comes for me, the fresher the goal today is in my mind and the more confidence I'll have on Tuesday night."

Ipsoregulated

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